Trade union climate conference

Posted by Phil Evans on February 12, 2014

The Victorian Trades Hall Council Climate Change Working Group together with the Climate Emergency Network is hosting a climate change conference for trade unionists and local activists, on Saturday October 9th

The Victorian Trades Hall Council Climate Change Working Group together with the Climate Emergency Network is hosting a climate change conference for trade unionists and local activists, on Saturday October 9th, from 10am â€“ 4pm in Meeting Room 1 at Trades Hall.

Tony Abbott has called climate change â€œabsolute crapâ€, and Julia Gillard has delayed substantial action. But climate change and the need to cut emissions remain pressing issues. The conference aims to discuss and clarify a number of important questions. How can workers, their unions and the climate movement work together in the best interest of workers and the climate? What are the implications for jobs? What should Government do and how can we get them to act?

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact either Bronwyn Halfpenny at Trades Hall on 9659 3511 or Chris Breen on 0403 013 183.

11.15am What sort of action is best for workers and the climate? Cam Walker - Friends of The Earth, Chris Breen - Climate Activist & AMWU Print Regional Councillor

This session will aim to explain and explore different government policy options including carbon taxes, carbon trading, feed-in tariffs, regulation and direct government investment.

12.15pm - 1.15pm lunch

1.15 pm Climate jobs

Mike Nicolaides AMWU T&SA Secretary , Luke Van Der Meulen - President CFMEU energy & mining division (Latrobe Valley), State Government MP invited What are climate jobs? How can we get them? How can we ensure they are union jobs? What would a just transition look like? What is the best way to protect workers in fossil fuel intensive industries?

2.45pm -3.00pm afternoon break

3.00pm Trade union strategy and organisation

open discussion led by Bronwyn Halfpenny -VTHC Climate Change Working Group This sessions is aimed at generating ongoing union organistion around climate change, including rank and file organisation, and projects involving collaboration between trade unionists and climate activists

Friends of the Earth acknowledge that we meet and work on the land of the Wurundjeri people and that sovereignty of the land of the Kulin Nation were never ceded. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge the pivotal role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within the Australian community.